Richard Henry Bain, alleged PQ shooter, fit to stand trial: judge

As a judge declared him fit to stand trial Monday for an election-night attack targeting the Parti Québécois that left one man dead, Richard Henry Bain promised to mount a vigorous defence.

“The psychiatrist said I’m defensive,” he told the court after the judge’s decision.

“You haven’t seen me when I go on the offensive.”

So far, however, his courtroom antics have only reinforced the notion he is obsessed with language issues and believes Premier Pauline Marois is out to get him.

Dr. Chantal Bouchard, the psychiatrist assigned to assess Mr. Bain, testified she was unable to definitively establish his mental fitness because he was uncooperative. Even though she is bilingual and spoke to him in English, he insisted on seeing a psychiatrist “of the English culture,” she said.

“He said it politely. He said that it was nothing personal but that it was his right.”

Dr. Bouchard was unable to determine whether Mr. Bain could communicate with his lawyer, because he refused to answer her questions, but she did conclude he understood the seriousness of the charges against him.

Judge Jean-Paul Braun found there was enough evidence to rule on the balance of probabilities Mr. Bain is fit to stand trial.

The man was arrested outside a downtown nightclub as Ms. Marois, the PQ leader, addressed party members after the party’s Sept. 4 election victory. As he was led away, he was filmed yelling in French, “The English are awakening.”

He faces 16 charges, including first-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder and arson. The Crown has said the investigation is continuing and there could be more charges.

Denis Blanchette, 48, a lighting technician, was killed. Another technician, Dave Courage, who was preparing to dismantle the stage after the event, was injured by the same bullet but survived.

During Monday’s hearing, Mr. Bain frequently sought to intervene in the proceedings, ignoring his lawyer’s advice to remain quiet.

The next hearing, Feb. 20, will be held to determine what legal representation Mr. Bain, 62, will enjoy, as the province has ruled he is too wealthy to benefit from legal aid.

The suspect complained his truck and $10,000 worth of gold and jewellery he says were inside the vehicle have been seized by Quebec provincial police, who are “controlled by Mme. Marois.”

He warned if he is left to represent himself, he would demand translation of all documents and testimony into English at great cost to taxpayers.

“Tell that to Mme. Marois,” he said. “She’s in England, learning English.” (Ms. Marois, who has called the Sept. 4 attack an attempt on her life, was in London Monday on government business.)

Earlier, after Dr. Bouchard had described several psychiatric disorders she had ruled out in Mr. Bain’s case, he blurted out, “In short, she’s describing a politician” and “Get into a politician’s mind, good luck.”

The psychiatrist also said Mr. Bain, who ran a fishing lodge in northern Quebec, did not appear at all worried about the charges he faces. She said his religious beliefs are so deeply held they could be considered “religious delirium.”

Mr. Bain typically enters and leaves the courtroom with a religious blessing. On Monday after the judge ruled on his fitness, he exclaimed, “Jesus Christ just spoke through you, Your Honour. Thank you.”